Community Ownership in Villages – Thornhill gathering

Many villages across Scotland now own land and buildings, often with a view to regenerating the economy, saving vital services and creating a strong sense of community. Community Land Scotland and Scottish Rural Action are partnering to convene two one-day seminars for community landowners and aspiring community landowners to come together and discuss challenges, opportunities and network.

Each event is open to representatives from any village-based community that owns, or aspires to own, land or buildings in Scotland. We are holding two sessions – please register for one event only – whichever is more convenient for you.

Thursday 30 January – Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway

The day will begin with a study visit to the host, Old School Thornhill. You will hear about their history, and their journey to buy and transform their ‘Old School’ into a innovative, design-led, community asset – a space that would foster creative collaboration and benefit the village and the surrounding communities. Over lunch, there will be opportunities speak with Trustees of OSG and other delegates from across Scotland.

Following that, delegates will hear from Community Land Scotland about some of the common threads and “top tips” that other villages have developed. The main part of the day will be centered on peer-to-peer learning, with delegates participating in smaller discussion groups to discuss themes and topics that they will have selected prior to the day. Finally, you will reconvene as a group to share the learning from the day.

Travel bursary support is available for delegates – please note at the time of registration if you will need it.